Database Users

[Q] G901F - future non-branded ROMS via OTA possible?

I would have posted this under the S5 'T-Mobile' section, but I think it might be more of a generic discussion.
I am considering in purchasing the S5 Plus (G901F). From what I can see right now, this is only available in Germany, UK and just about now, Netherlands. Problem is that it's exclusive to respective providers and therefore - "branded"
I can find it cheaper from Germany - which is subject to T-Mobile / Telekom (same thing?) branding.
I have asked the shop and they confirmed that the phone is factory unlocked to any provider/country and that there is no "hardware branding" on the phone. Meaning no stickers, no logos or anything else physically on the phone.
However, there is "software branding". Meaning the firmware itself and whatever bloatware the provider has put inside that ROM.
Now, I have read that I can use ODIN and find the least crapware-loaded ROM (from any country) and flash it *without* compromissing the knox bit. So far so good.
What I would like to know is that: What happens when finally Samsung releases a pure, non-branded ROM for the G901F? I can still use ODIN to flash - no problem. But what about future releases. I mean future non-branded firmwares. Would I be able to use OTA from that point on, or would I have to keep an eye and update via ODIN? Can someone please elaborate and explain this?

I get it - that's a 'newbie' type of question, but I would be really grateful towards some help here. All I can do for someone who will spend 2mins for writing a useful/accurate answer is say 'thanks'
Didn't find an exact answer to what I ask here, hence me writing this. Hope it's not a double-post!
jstoner said:
I would have posted this under the S5 'T-Mobile' section, but I think it might be more of a generic discussion.
I am considering in purchasing the S5 Plus (G901F). From what I can see right now, this is only available in Germany, UK and just about now, Netherlands. Problem is that it's exclusive to respective providers and therefore - "branded"
I can find it cheaper from Germany - which is subject to T-Mobile / Telekom (same thing?) branding.
I have asked the shop and they confirmed that the phone is factory unlocked to any provider/country and that there is no "hardware branding" on the phone. Meaning no stickers, no logos or anything else physically on the phone.
However, there is "software branding". Meaning the firmware itself and whatever bloatware the provider has put inside that ROM.
Now, I have read that I can use ODIN and find the least crapware-loaded ROM (from any country) and flash it *without* compromissing the knox bit. So far so good.
What I would like to know is that: What happens when finally Samsung releases a pure, non-branded ROM for the G901F? I can still use ODIN to flash - no problem. But what about future releases. I mean future non-branded firmwares. Would I be able to use OTA from that point on, or would I have to keep an eye and update via ODIN? Can someone please elaborate and explain this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Hi jstoner,
I think that while using an unbranded ROM would probably prevent you from receiving OTA's from your provider you would still be left wih the Samsung tool for getting new updates - Kies.
It has the options to check for updates and to flash them.
The geeky option is indeed to keep your eyes out for updates and fire up Odin
Disclaimer: I never used Kies to update my phone so I might be wrong here
Sent from my Android powered Tricorder

I forgot to mention - I live in Greece (but I m thinking of buying the phone from Germany, as it's not available here yet)
Does KIES list all ROMs from ALL regions/providers for a particular phone?
vrl13 said:
I think that while using an unbranded ROM would probably prevent you from receiving OTA's from your provider you would still be left wih the Samsung tool for getting new updates - Kies.
r
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Hello,
It seems there is a firmware for Greece for you
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/40735/G901FXXU1ANK3_G901FEUR1ANL1_EUR.zip/

Oh good
Does that mean it's about to be released in Greece soon???
thierry_b said:
Hello,
It seems there is a firmware for Greece for you
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/40735/G901FXXU1ANK3_G901FEUR1ANL1_EUR.zip/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Nobody knows man. But you can always flash the newest updates via odin without triggering knox. After a few month only German Vodafone is building an update. T- mobil stii stuck on h5 firmware. So if there will be an unbranded oce ever ever ever.........you have odin

Wonder if that Greek ROM is unbranded or not
As for hardware branding, it seems that all G901F units sold in Germany under Telekom/T-Mobile have that "LTE+" at the back (also on the retail box). Instead, those EE (UK) units seem to have no hardware branding at all - it just has the "Samsung" logo at the back cover (and nothing on the retail box)
teichy1 said:
No Body knows man. But you can always flash the newest updates via odin without triggering knox. After a few month only German Vodafone is building an update. T- mobil stii stuck on h5 firmware. So if there will be an unbranded oce ever ever ever.........you have odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

There are a few Providerapps inside. All Roms i tested for 901F has the normal Samsung Bootloaderscreener. No Provider startup. So nothing to worry about . Mine has also the LTE+ logo, but former T-Mobile Devices have also Coverbrands on it...Thanks God these not

Can I flash a EE Galaxy S5 with stock BTU firmware?

Hi guys, quick question...
The wife has an EE locked Galaxy s5 and is not really that happy with how its running, so I was thinking I may flash the latest BTU firmware and software reset the phone.
Can we do this without sim unlocking the phone? Or does this have to be done first?
Any other issues to be aware of?
I always buy sim unlocked phones for myself so I'm not sure, many thanks to anyone who knows the answer.
Pete.

madpete said:
Hi guys, quick question...
The wife has an EE locked Galaxy s5 and is not really that happy with how its running, so I was thinking I may flash the latest BTU firmware and software reset the phone.
Can we do this without sim unlocking the phone? Or does this have to be done first?
Pete.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock generic BTU should work fine its multi CSC, my phone came with o2 firmware first thing I did was flash the Generic BTU version, you will need to do a factory reset afterward to clear any of the old rom residue as flashing firmwares doesn't wipe the phone it only replaces certain parts of the original firmware, make sure you copy all pictures, music etc from your phones internal storage first otherwise it will be lost.
Make sure you are fully happy with flashing using Odin before you do it, get it wrong and you brick the phone, get it right and it will work perfectly

Thanks for the reply, thats good news. We've got everything backed up, and Im used to using Odin...just wasn't too sure if the network lock would cause any probs. Thanks again.
Edit: Just to say all done, and everything went well

[UK] Unlocked S7 Edge - Enable EE features?

Hi folks,
So as in iPhone user, i've been following the latest Galaxy very closely and decided to take the plunge on Sunday!
Suffice to say, sat in front of me at the moment is my first Samsung (I went for the Edge).
I'm on EE, so i'd like to know how I go about enabling Wi-Fi calling (and VoLTE when it launches - although i'm aware it's testing in several areas at the moment) on my device. I bought it unlocked, direct from Samsung - which probably explains why I can't see the settings for it?
I've ready that I may have to flash the firmware with the EE version to get the features - my concern with that though is tripping Knox, as i'd like to use Samsung Pay when it launches.
Is there a method of enabling the features without flashing the firmware?
Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!

I've ready that I may have to flash the firmware with the EE version to get the features - my concern with that though is tripping Knox, as i'd like to use Samsung Pay when it launches.
Is there a method of enabling the features without flashing the firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
'''
i wouldnt if i were you. i tried that with apple pay in australia and it didnt work. its region locked. wait for the official launch.
for me, my ban offers nfc payments through the phone so i can wait abit for samsung pay to arrive in australia and if im lucky, they will give out free stuff like in america.
i never tried volte calling. but you can always use whats app and stuff.

Its safe to do so,
I bought my S7 Edge from the Samsung store, and flashed the EE firmware, it doesn't trip knox, only custom changes will trip knox, So rooting/custom recoveries and such. its safe to flash the EE firmware. and WI-FI calling working for me, (How to enable WiFI calling). as we speak. But I did do a factory reset(delete everything) after flashing to make sure the CSC for EE was installing correctly.

kossiewossie said:
Its safe to do so,
I bought my S7 Edge from the Samsung store, and flashed the EE firmware, it doesn't trip knox, only custom changes will trip knox, So rooting/custom recoveries and such. its safe to flash the EE firmware. and WI-FI calling working for me as we speak. But I did do a factory reset after flashing to make sure the CSC for EE was installing correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah - just what I wanted to hear
Can you tell me if the EE firmware comes with loads of bloat? Also, will OTA updates work, or will I have to manually flash them when released (I'm sure I read that auto-updates don't work if flashing a different firmware - although I could have misconstrued that).
Thanks

Captain.Slow said:
Ah - just what I wanted to hear
Can you tell me if the EE firmware comes with loads of bloat? Also, will OTA updates work, or will I have to manually flash them when released (I'm sure I read that auto-updates don't work if flashing a different firmware - although I could have misconstrued that).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Auto-update will work, but you will have to wait for EE to push the updates out. so might be a delay until they release them, Only difference from buying the phone from EE or Samsung is the firmware, So if you flash the whole phone and factory reset in recovery, its pretty much a EE phone. be warned sometimes WiFi calling will not work until you call up EE and ask them to activate it on your handset, (and that can be a funny conversation, since you didn't buy the phone from them but I managed to talk my way around it on my S6 edge+), And on my S7 Edge it seems to already be enabled after I flashed the EE firmware and enabled in the phone settings.

It's a shame that we still have to install carrier specific firmware to access these things. I thought I heard samsung had overcome this?
Some articles suggested that the S7 could install carrier specific software upon detection of SIM accordingly. This doesn't appear to be the case. I have just had to flash H3G firmware. BTW op it didn't trip KNOX

sammyelrefee said:
It's a shame that we still have to install carrier specific firmware to access these things. I thought I heard samsung had overcome this?
Some articles suggested that the S7 could install carrier specific software upon detection of SIM accordingly. This doesn't appear to be the case. I have just had to flash H3G firmware. BTW op it didn't trip KNOX
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a bit rubbish really - it's one good thing Apple has over android imho. I know Google are trying to go down the same route with Carrier Updates - but they're gonna have to grow a pair if they're going to get anywhere with it.
Anyway, thanks kossiewossie - just finished flashing mine. Hoping I haven't tripped Knox (not checked yet, it's restoring my Google Account backup).

To flash the firmware is it just a case of downloading the EE firmware from sammobile and using Odin to flash it? Because I know for the S6 there was an issue where the partitions were different between the EE version and the unlocked version meaning you had to get hold of a PIT file to flash the EE firmware. Is that still the case?

I'm also considering doing the same. I'm on EE but it came through a re-seller so I've got stock Samsung firmware.
Other than the delay in updates being released, is there any other reason why not to do this? Are you able to flash back the BTU version if you grow tired of waiting for carrier updates and don't end up making the use of wifi calling?

mmotti said:
I'm also considering doing the same. I'm on EE but it came through a re-seller so I've got stock Samsung firmware.
Other than the delay in updates being released, is there any other reason why not to do this? Are you able to flash back the BTU version if you grow tired of waiting for carrier updates and don't end up making the use of wifi calling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only benefit I see with the EE firmware is Wifi calling, but as I am in a fantastic reception area, I do not need it. Therefore I see no other reason to use the EE firmware and prefer updates as soon as they are released.
Yes, if you grow tired of waiting for carrier updates, you can flash back to BTE/XEU firmware.

I can't speak for EVR firmware. I used Samfirm to download 4 file H3G firmware and I was not asked for a PIT file.
Interesting there are PIT files included in the files if you unpack them so maybe this was used?

Having downloaded the EE firmware I'm a little confused with Odin.
I have:
AP...
BL...
CP...
CSC_EVR...
Home_CSC_EVR...
Do I need to select all of these within Odin? If so, which CSC as there seems to be two? Sorry if this is a stupid question....

mmotti said:
Having downloaded the EE firmware I'm a little confused with Odin.
I have:
AP...
BL...
CP...
CSC_EVR...
Home_CSC_EVR...
Do I need to select all of these within Odin? If so, which CSC as there seems to be two? Sorry if this is a stupid question....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I did it last night, within Odin I selected files for AP, BL, CP and for CSC - CSC_EVR. I didn't use the Home_CSC_EVR file.
Knowing my luck, i've probably done it wrong - although my phone does seem to be running fine!!

I'm too cautious about flashing the wrong one lol. I'll wait until we know the difference I think!
Edit: Flashed it with the standard CSC. All seems well.

I flashed the standard csc myself and all seems well for over a day now. Would still like to know what the home csc file is for.
Edit. Just found out that home_csc doesn't contain the pit file so it doesn't wipe the phone. So would have to use the standard CSC when changing firmware.

Flashing BTU CSC results in XEU

Hi all,
I have today received my S8 from EE and flashed the latest stock BTU firmware with Odin.
My phone is reporting that I have an XEU CSC. Is there any way without root to get the BTU CSC to register correctly?
Cheers
Edit: It also says that it's manually applying EVR if I boot into recovery. Odd..

XEU and BTU are the same. Also, all unlocked variants of the S8/S8+ in Europe share a common "merged" CSC, OXM, which will activate the proper CSC based on the first SIM card inserted (hence why it's important to insert a SIM before first boot). XEU is the new BTU, so just live with it.
The device also has its stock CSC code burned into it, so even though you can flash another CSC, it will always know what the original CSC was.

fonix232 said:
XEU and BTU are the same. Also, all unlocked variants of the S8/S8+ in Europe share a common "merged" CSC, OXM, which will activate the proper CSC based on the first SIM card inserted (hence why it's important to insert a SIM before first boot). XEU is the new BTU, so just live with it.
The device also has its stock CSC code burned into it, so even though you can flash another CSC, it will always know what the original CSC was.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent - Thank you for clearing that up.
Looks like they've been busy making some changes since the S7

Which files did you flash I've got ee and thought about doing this will we still receive ota updates

dalelindley76 said:
Which files did you flash I've got ee and thought about doing this will we still receive ota updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Latest BTU SM-G950F firmware from http://fw.updato.com
Updates should be fine and also released a lot sooner as there's no waiting for EE to release them. Wi-Fi calling is fine too.

mmotti said:
Latest BTU SM-G950F firmware from http://fw.updato.com
Updates should be fine and also released a lot sooner as there's no waiting for EE to release them. Wi-Fi calling is fine too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you flash the home csc

dalelindley76 said:
Did you flash the home csc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Standard CSC file with a factory reset/cache clear.

I went the other way. Unlocked BTU to EE EVR to get Volte.
Considering going back to get timely updates. EE suck at updating.

mgbosshogg said:
I went the other way. Unlocked BTU to EE EVR to get Volte.
Considering going back to get timely updates. EE suck at updating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They do. I don't make use of Volte personally. I'd sooner have updated software so long as my Wi-Fi calling works

mmotti said:
They do. I don't make use of Volte personally. I'd sooner have updated software so long as my Wi-Fi calling works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, there are quite a few places on my daily travels that would not have any signal without Volte unfortunately. I am one of those in the minority that use their phone for calling
If I didn't I would have left it on BTU for sure. Unfortunately, county wide, EE seem to have the best coverage and speed.

mgbosshogg said:
Yeah, there are quite a few places on my daily travels that would not have any signal without Volte unfortunately. I am one of those in the minority that use their phone for calling
If I didn't I would have left it on BTU for sure. Unfortunately, county wide, EE seem to have the best coverage and speed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Calling? What's calling? Haha.
What a pain that the necessary files aren't included with XEU EE are already an update behind at the moment.

I'm on vod thinking of flashing XEU as I don't like Vodafone adding and tinkering with touch wiz etc does secure folder still work etc.

mimo2008 said:
I'm on vod thinking of flashing XEU as I don't like Vodafone adding and tinkering with touch wiz etc does secure folder still work etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah secure folder is fine and I believe remains so, so long as you are flashing stock firmware correctly and don't do anything to trip Knox

Ok thankyou also did you have de bugging ticked and oem unlocked ticked in development options

mimo2008 said:
Ok thankyou also did you have de bugging ticked and oem unlocked ticked in development options
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I flashed everything even before the first boot. I had everything ready before the phone arrived.
Might want to remove your Google and samsung account prior to flashing though.

mmotti said:
No I flashed everything even before the first boot. I had everything ready before the phone arrived.
Might want to remove your Google and samsung account prior to flashing though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankyou for info.
I decided to flash latest xeu and not sure about you but since i did the flash my touch wiz feels a lot smoother and faster than it did with Vodafone software on there.
Think i made the right choice.

mimo2008 said:
Thankyou for info.
I decided to flash latest xeu and not sure about you but since i did the flash my touch wiz feels a lot smoother and faster than it did with Vodafone software on there.
Think i made the right choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could well be! I didn't boot up before flashing lol

S8 security was changed so that CSC can only be changed with a supporting SIM card installed if you are not rooted.

mgbosshogg said:
I went the other way. Unlocked BTU to EE EVR to get Volte.
Considering going back to get timely updates. EE suck at updating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you located and who is your provider? I'm on BTU in the US with T-Mobile and would like to get VoLTE...

Can someone help me? I have G950FD which Firmware should I flash for my phone? I am using this model in the US

Questions about official firmware flashing

Hi all, not had a Samsung phone since the first Note so cant remember a thing about flashing/de-branding on these aside from Odin and I know things might be different now with Knox.
So I've just ordered a Vodafone S8 in the UK and I'm considering switching firmware when it comes to an unbranded one but was hoping someone could point me to a good guide of where to get the firmwares (and which one to use) for the latest updates etc.
Is this still a fairly easy job and doable without unlocking and rooting/tripping knox? Do you lose access to wifi calling on unbranded phones on Vodafone?
Thanks

Go to updato.com and search firmwares for the G950U1 (If those are the snapdragon variant). I always use the XAA as it's not specific to any carrier.
It's still the same method but I'd use the modded Odin which has been posted around here, rename each file and remove .md5 from the end of them. From there it all matches up. BL, AP, Etc. When flashing the csc file, HOME CSC will NOT wipe your device after flash, CSC WILL wipe it. You'll want to wipe initially anyway.
It doesn't trip Knox and you'll lose wifi calling and volte

joe3681 said:
Go to updato.com and search firmwares for the G950U1 (If those are the snapdragon variant). I always use the XAA as it's not specific to any carrier.
It's still the same method but I'd use the modded Odin which has been posted around here, rename each file and remove .md5 from the end of them. From there it all matches up. BL, AP, Etc. When flashing the csc file, HOME CSC will NOT wipe your device after flash, CSC WILL wipe it. You'll want to wipe initially anyway.
It doesn't trip Knox and you'll lose wifi calling and volte
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's got a g950f which is the European model(exynos)

Thanks for the info, i did a little more research myself and looking at my software version it says SAOMC_SM-G950F_OXM_BTU_0062
My CSC's are listed as BTU/BTU/BTU which as far as im aware means its already the unlocked version correct? There was no vodafone junk preinstalled but wifi calling shows up as working. So im a little lost now, I dont think i need to do anything and I have wifi calling so all seems ok.

Oblox said:
Thanks for the info, i did a little more research myself and looking at my software version it says SAOMC_SM-G950F_OXM_BTU_0062
My CSC's are listed as BTU/BTU/BTU which as far as im aware means its already the unlocked version correct? There was no vodafone junk preinstalled but wifi calling shows up as working. So im a little lost now, I dont think i need to do anything and I have wifi calling so all seems ok.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get your S8 from, direct from Vodafone? I've had mine for about 6 weeks now and got mine from Vodafone direct and my CSC is VOD, my current firmware is:
G950FXXU1AQH3
I was just looking into flashing mine with the BTU firmware so I can get the Oreo beta.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

I got mine from www.mobilephonesdirect.co.uk they told me it wasn't unlocked so I assumed that meant it came from Vodafone. Not tried any other SIM in it yet to test that side.
Wifi calling definitely works, there's no vodafone crap installed no branding anywhere.
According to
https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy-s8/SM-G950F/VOD/
there is G950FXXU1AQI7 for the Vodafone branded CSC im on G950FXXU1AQH3 for BTU.

Oblox said:
I got mine from www.mobilephonesdirect.co.uk they told me it wasn't unlocked so I assumed that meant it came from Vodafone. Not tried any other SIM in it yet to test that side.
Wifi calling definitely works, there's no vodafone crap installed no branding anywhere.
According to
https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy-s8/SM-G950F/VOD/
there is G950FXXU1AQI7 for the Vodafone branded CSC im on G950FXXU1AQH3 for BTU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I see so yours is definitely unlocked then as I've purchased from them before, same as CPW.
Yes I've checked samfirmware too, I will need to flash the older BTU firmware then by looks of it, however I need to look into it a bit more as I've read somewhere that flashing the S8 is a bit different.